Merrily We Roll Along Seat Plan

The Harold Pinter Theatre is situated on Panton Street in the West End of London, close to Piccadilly Circus tube station. Built in 1881, this 796 seat venue was the site of the West End debut of the Rocky Horror Show.

The first production at the Harold Pinter Theatre was The Mascotee, an Opera Comique, which opened on October 15 1881. Among the countless notable shows to have graced this venerable West End theatre’s stage since then are Savages, Talking Heads, Six Degrees of Separation, The Caretaker and Little Malcolm and his Struggle Against the Eunuchs.

Today, the Harold Pinter Theatre enjoys consistent success and has established a solid reputation for its diverse repertoire, staging musical comedies, experimental theatre and classic revivals.

Like any long-serving institution it’s had its ups and downs but, in contrast to the massive upheavals experienced by many other West End theatres, the downs have been relatively few. Originally called the Comedy Theatre, it is one of the only remaining theatres in the West End whose interior is mostly unchanged, with only minor alterations carried out over the years. The original Orchestra Pit is still present in the theatre, though very rarely used.

While still trading under the Comedy name, the theatre was closed in 2011 in order to install a new grid and flying equipment. The theatre reopened after a one month closure as the Harold Pinter Theatre, in homage to the great modern playwright who had such a huge impact on British and world drama. 

The layout, size and atmosphere of the Harold Pinter Theatre make it a brilliant place to see musicals, plays and stand-up comedy. Recent successes include Ibsen’s Ghosts, The Old Masters, Sunset Boulevard, Birdsong, The Children’s Hour, Betrayal, Absent Friends, South Downs and The Browning Version and Spamalot. 

Whatever you decide to see at the Harold Pinter Theatre, we wish you an entertaining and rewarding visit.